Essendon Football Club has not dismissed the possibility of James Hird returning as head coach, even as president Andrew Welsh maintains that the club will not revert to its previous ‘old boys’ network’.
Welsh, who supported the decision to deny Zach Merrett’s trade request last year, firmly stated that the Bombers will not be “I haven’t, no. We’re not ruling anyone in or anyone out of this.” despite the team’s continued struggles.
Brad Scott was released from his coaching duties with over a year still remaining on his contract. In his place, former Essendon premiership player Dean Solomon has been appointed as the interim coach.
There has been persistent pressure from various factions of Essendon supporters for the return of Hird, who previously lost out to Scott for the head coaching position in 2022.
Hird initially took over the coaching role in 2010 but faced suspension for the entire 2014 season due to his involvement in the Essendon drugs controversy. He eventually resigned in August 2015, finishing his tenure with a record of 41 wins, 42 losses, and one draw.
When asked about any discussions with Hird, Welsh replied, “I love the passion of Essendon supporters. I love the history that our supporters talk about, our past players and administrators,”
There is also speculation that Solomon could be considered for the permanent head coach position. Welsh was questioned about the potential reintroduction of former Essendon figures into the club’s leadership.
Welsh expressed his appreciation for the passion of Essendon supporters and their connection to the club’s history, stating, “But by no way means is our decisions around bringing old Essendon people back as an operation to get the Essendon Football Club moving again – that is not in consideration for us at all. “I hear a lot around ‘old Essendon’, ‘new Essendon’, ‘boys club’. I look at other clubs that, respectfully, Sam Mitchell’s gone back to Hawthorn and doing an amazing job, I look at [Justin] Longmuir over in Fremantle, [Josh] Carr’s gone back to Port Adelaide. “So I think there’s some really good history around players going back to clubs and the right people for those groups going to those clubs.”
He continued, emphasizing, “No, not at all… We’re not going to be pushed around as a club anymore. “And that was a step and a statement that we are clear in our direction and we’re clear with our strategy and what we need to do to push this football club forward again.”
Welsh referenced other clubs that have successfully brought back former players, noting, “I look at other clubs that, respectfully, Sam Mitchell’s gone back to Hawthorn and doing an amazing job, I look at [Justin] Longmuir over in Fremantle, [Josh] Carr’s gone back to Port Adelaide.”
Solomon conducted training on Tuesday morning in preparation for Sunday’s away match against West Coast.
Essendon now joins Carlton and the new Tasmania team in the hunt for a senior coach.
Welsh refrained from revealing whether the club would pursue an experienced coach like John Longmire or opt for a first-time head coach for what he described as an “attractive” position.
Scott’s departure follows a disappointing run where Essendon managed only one win in their initial 11 games, including a particularly poor performance against Richmond that saw the Bombers fall to the bottom of the league standings.
After a board meeting on Monday, the decision to part ways with Scott was unanimous, despite having extended his contract just last March. Welsh personally conveyed the news to Scott that evening.
This season, Essendon matched their club record for consecutive losses, enduring a streak of 17 games, which included losing their final 13 matches in the 2025 campaign. The team has not won a finals match since the 2004 elimination final.
Scott leaves with a coaching record of 29 wins, 50 losses, and one draw over 80 games since his appointment in 2022.
There are questions about the implications of Scott’s exit on Merrett, who is expected to seek a trade again at the end of the season.
Last year, Essendon held firm when Merrett requested a move to Hawthorn.
When asked whether it was a mistake not allowing Merrett to leave in 2025, Welsh asserted, “No, not at all… We’re not going to be pushed around as a club anymore.”
He added, “And that was a step and a statement that we are clear in our direction and we’re clear with our strategy and what we need to do to push this football club forward again.”
